Who is Colin Meredith?
Colin Meredith isn’t just a name—it’s a label born from 13 years of obsessive experimentation. The designer, now in his late 20s, began sewing in high school, driven by a simple goal: to create clothing he couldn’t find elsewhere. After stints at Arc’teryx and Reigning Champ, Meredith launched his eponymous brand in April 2023, though its ethos traces back to his earlier project, Hobby Wares. “People kept calling my pieces ‘Colin Meredith’ designs anyway,” he laughs. “So I leaned into it.”
The Philosophy: Clothing as a Personal Compass
Meredith’s designs are deeply personal. “Every garment starts with my own desire for it,” he says. His work avoids loud branding, favoring subtle construction and material innovation—a reflection of his belief that clothing should inspire curiosity. “If I can make someone feel that anything is possible through craft, that’s meaningful.”
From Intern to Independent
The leap to independence wasn’t easy. “Logistics are the hidden monster of fashion,” Meredith admits, citing shipping and storage as early hurdles. Yet his industry experience proved invaluable. “Working for other brands demystified production. I realized if I waited for ‘perfection,’ I’d never start.”
Global Reach, Versatile Wear
CM’s functional aesthetic resonates worldwide. Its Fall/Winter 2025 collection will hit stores across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia, with customers styling pieces everywhere from mountain trails to city streets. “A jacket might be paired with hiking boots or a luxury bag—that versatility excites me,” says Meredith.
Collaborations and Parallel Projects
This year marked two milestones: a footwear collaboration with ROA (“a natural fit—we both blend function and nature”) and the launch of Portal, an activewear brand co-founded with industry peers. “Portal lets me explore performance wear separately, so CM can stay conceptual,” he explains.
Paris, Pitti, and the Future
After two Paris Fashion Week showrooms and an upcoming SS26 showcase at Pitti Uomo, Meredith is energized but pragmatic. “It’s chaotic, but seeing global buyers and friends is like a reunion.” FW25 promises bold colors, natural fabrics, and only two carry-over styles—a deliberate refresh.
Inspiration in Failure (and Feathers)
Nature and iteration fuel Meredith’s process. “Bird wings, fish scales—nature solves problems beautifully. And when a design fails, that teaches you,” he says. His daily uniform? Welder Pants and the Stirrup Insulated Jacket, both testaments to his utilitarian creed.
The Takeaway
For Meredith, fashion is less about trends than tactile discovery. “I’d be making clothes even without a brand,” he reflects. “This just lets me share that obsession—and solve new puzzles along the way.”
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